Wildlife Vacation in India

Duration : 15 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Amer - Ranthambhor - Bharatpur - Keoladeo Ghana National Bird Sanctuary - Agra - Orcha - Bhandavgarh National Park - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kashi - Delhi

A tour not only through some of the most important "tiger country" but a superb blend of the Indian "pot-pourrie". You will have a chance to see everything that is associated with India. We have the Taj, the colourful bazaars of Jaipur, the mega city of Delhi, the mud fort of Bharatpur, the marvels of Khajurao, the oldest city of India Varanasi. Besides the wild life sanctuaries of Kanha, Ranthambhor, Bhandavgarh and the best bird sanctuary at Bharatpur. This tour can be extended to include a visit to the national parks in Nepal along with the Budhist centres.

Day 1 -- » Arrive to Delhi
Arrival Delhi in the morning. "Namaste" a warm welcome to India, a sincere greeting with a bow and folded hands. Transfer to a 5-star hotel in New Delhi. After a short break we embark on our first journey to discover India. Our introduction to India will be by a " Rickshaw" ride a mode of transport used in small towns and in Old Delhi.

We head for a guided city tour to the most interesting sights of the city that is the Red Fort a fort made of red sand stone which once housed the world famous PEACOCK throne and the Jama Masjid mosque. Welcome Dinner at the old Hauz Khas village complex overnight stay at the hotel.

Day - 2 -- » Jaipur
We leave for the pink city of Jaipur arriving for lunch. After lunch day at leisure to explore the streets and bazars of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.

Day - 3 -- » Amer
We visit the city palace, the palace of winds and then proceed to Amer fort the ancient capital of Jaipur built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh in red sandstone and marble. It has some very intersting apartments like the Sheesh Mahal the glass canopy apartments and Jai Mandir, Sukh Niwas Baodi etc.

The highlight of this trip is the elephant ride up the ramparts of the fort just like the maharajas did. After this we visit the Jaigarh fort the armoury of the erstwhile state which houses the biggest cannon on wheels in the world. Overnight at hotel.

Day - 4 -- » Ranthambhor
Drive to Ranthambhor the finest national park of India arriving in the hotel in afternoon. Evening visit the old fort which overlooks the national park. Overnight hotel.

Day - 5 -- » Ranthambhor
Ranthambore Morning & Evening drives in the park.

Day - 6 -- » Bharatpur
Ranthambore - Bharatpur drive to Bharatpur the capital city of another racial community of India The Jats. Afternoon visit Bharatpur fort which is different from other Rajasthan forts as it has thick mud walls which the British army could not break despite laying a seige for 4 months.

Day - 7 -- » Keoladeo Ghana National Bird Sanctuary
Full day bird watching in possibly the biggest bird sanctuary in the world Keoladeo Ghana National. To take in the essence of the park you need to divide your trips into different times of the day, Early morning take in spectacular sightings of large flocks of water birds & their exquisite birdsongs. At dusk catch the elusive bird (night herons ,bitterns & owls). Post lunch catch the python basking in the sun.Overnight at the hotel.

Day - 8 - Agra
Take the road for Agra Enroute we visit the ancient city of Fathepur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar as thanks giving for the saint who blessed him with a son. In the afternoon check in to the hotel. After a short break leave for the Agra Fort. The fort where Emperor Shajahan the builder of Taj was held captive by his son Emperor Aurangzeb, who had usurped the throne of India. One can see the magnificant Taj from the quarters in which the emperor was jailed. Before sunset visit the Taj a monument of Love and romance. Overnight at the hotel.

Day - 9 -- » Orcha
Take an executive class airconditioned train to Jhansi drive to Orcha the old capital of the Bundhela Kings who were the contempories of the Mughal Emperors. Check into the hotel on the banks of the river. Go exploring the marvels of Bundhelkhand. Overnight at the hotel.

Day - 10 -- » Bhandavgarh National Park
Some more exploring later in the day take the train to Katni / Umaria. Disembark for Bhandavgarh National Park. Afternoon take the first drive into the park if luck favours us we will sight the Tiger. As the concentration of tiger population is highest in this park hence our chances of sighting. Overnight at hotel / camp.

Day - 11 -- » Bhandavgarh National Park
Full day for the park. We will take two trips into the park. Early morning on elephant back, post lunch & evening in jeeps.

Day - 12 -- » Khajuraho
Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho. Drive to Khajuraho the citadel of power of the Chandela Kings in 10th &11th century. Khajurao has been declared a World Heritage Site. Though famous for its Erotic temple sculpture Khajurao is much more then just Kamasutra. The question which comes to mind is how could any society approve of such eroticism in a place of worship. To answer this question only a visit to khajurao can do. Overnight at the hotel.

Day - 13 -- » Varanasi
Walk the streets of Khajurao leave for the airport around 11:30 A.M. to catch the flight for Varanasi the oldest living city in India and one of the worlds most ancient previously known as Kashi in the times of Puranas and Vedas. Its also the second most important religious city on the Ganges. After check in and a short break visit the bazar of Benaras which is an experience of a life time even for the Indians living in other cities. Varanasi is a city which can not be described it can only be experienced. Around sunset take a visit to the ghats (Banks of river ganga) and a boat ride in the Ganges to see the AARTI (culmination of the days prayers with lamps) which are offered to the mother Ganga and left to float in the river. It's a spectacle seen nowhere else in the world. It seems that stars are floating in the river.

Day - 14 -- » Kashi
Early morning again visit the ghats before sunrise to see people praying to the Sun god another experience of its kind. After breakfast visit Kashi Vishwanath temple the most important temple of Lord Shiva in India Saranath where lord Budha preached his first Sermon. It was here he revealed the eight fold path of Nirvana.

Day - 15 -- » Delhi
Varanasi - Delhi In the morning take another river cruise on the Ganges. In the evening, fly to Delhi to catch your international flight.